RD - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Practice Test

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Prepare for the CDR Exam with our RD practice quiz! Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations to enhance your readiness for the dietitian registration test.

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Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of which vitamin?

The correct answer is: B12

Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach and is vital for the absorption of vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin. This vitamin plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. In the digestive process, vitamin B12 from food is released and binds to a specific transporter protein called haptocorrin in the stomach. After this initial binding, when the complex reaches the small intestine, intrinsic factor is present to bind with the freed vitamin B12. This intrinsic factor-B12 complex is essential for vitamin B12 to be absorbed in the ileum (the last part of the small intestine). Without sufficient intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be effectively absorbed, leading to deficiencies that can result in serious health issues, including megaloblastic anemia and neurological disorders. The other vitamins listed—B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), and C (ascorbic acid)—do not require intrinsic factor for their absorption as they are generally absorbed in the intestines through different mechanisms.